Teacher Feature

Darlyne Johnson: Groton Area High School

Darlyne Johnson: Groton Area High School

February 11, 2008

What is your title and where do you teach? How long have you taught there?: This is my ninth year of teaching secondary math at Groton Area High School. Where are you from originally? Having graduated from Groton and grown up in the Stratford area, this is home. Where else have you taught? I have also taught in Ellendale, N.D., and in Glasgow, Mont. Define a teacher: A teacher is a mentor and an advocate for students and is one who provides a connection between classroom learning and real life, supports instruction with purpose and meaning and makes a difference in students' lives. How were you influenced to become a teacher? In country school, I helped the younger students with their work. There have been excellent models in my life - teachers in country school and in high school algebra. What is the most important thing you want students to remember about you? I hope students will remember that I was always available for help, that I called them by name, that I was fair yet held high expectations for them and that I had a passion for teaching and for relating the curriculum to their lives. Why do you keep on teaching? To be a member of the teaching profession is a gift in that I get to be a part of students' lives. They also teach me and make a difference in my life. I benefit from their kindness, openness and trust. Do you have an interesting or amusing memory you would like to share? One morning, a student became ill during a class so I escorted her to the office. As I was coming back up the stairs to the classroom, I noticed the quiet and found the remaining students working on their assignment. To me, that happening revealed respect, understanding and maturity in those seventh graders. Is there anything else you would like to add? It is exciting to be serving the Groton community on the same faculty as my son and his wife, Reid and Nicole Johnson. Bill and I also have a son, Laef, two married daughters, Beth and Ann, and three grandchildren. Teacher Feature: Teacher Feature is nearing an end. If you have a form to submit, please send it in soon. For information, call Gretchen Mayer at the American News. Her phone number is (605) 622-2310, or 1-800-925-4100, ext. 310. Her e-mail address is gmayer@aberdeennews.com. Monday, February 11, 2008 Questions or Comments? Call Jeff Bahr, (605) 622-2320 during the day or 1-800-925-4100, evenings. 7A